---
title: Use a backend service with Astro
description: How to use a backend service to add authentication, storage and data
i18nReady: true
---
import BackendGuidesNav from '~/components/BackendGuidesNav.astro';

**Ready to add features like authentication, storage or data to your Astro project?** Follow one of our guides to integrate a backend service.

:::tip
Find [community-maintained integrations](https://astro.build/integrations/) for adding popular features to your project in our integrations directory. 
:::

## Backend service guides

Note that many of these pages are **stubs**: they're collections of resources waiting for your contribution!

<BackendGuidesNav />

## What is a backend service?

A backend service is a cloud-based system that helps you build and manage your backend infrastructure. It provides a set of tools and services for managing databases, user authentication, and other server-side functionality. This enables you to focus on building your applications without having to worry about managing the underlying infrastructure.

## Why would I use a backend service?

You might want to consider a backend service if your project has complex server-side needs, for example:
- user sign-ups and authentication
- persistent data storage
- user-uploaded asset storage
- API generation
- realtime communication
